Oncology Program Guidelines

GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA

Program Criteria

Participants are eligible for 12 weeks with a cancer treatment history (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation) within the previous year.

Physician Clearance

All participants require a physician clearance to start the program and to resume the Survive and Thrive program if hospitalized.  Participants must inform us if they visit an emergency department, sustain an injury, receive a new medical diagnosis or initiate any new cancer treatments while in the program.

Cancellations

Please let the PT360 staff know in advance if possible if you need to miss a session.  Please call the PT360 Williston clinic should you need to miss a session unexpectedly.  Repeated missed classes without notice will result in the discontinuation of the participants membership in the program.

Leave of Absences

Missed classes of two consecutive weeks of greater will be restored to a participants program dates only for medical purposes.  Vacations, holidays, etc. are not included.

Infection Precautions

Use provided antiseptic wipes on equipment prior to and after use to decrease the risk for infection.  Use new wipes on each piece of equipment.  Wash hands before and after gym work and after touching eyes, nose, or mouth.

Chemotherapy

Participation in exercise within 24 hours following IV chemotherapy is recommended only with medical clearance.  Discuss with your provider as all drugs and individuals are different.

Cell Counts

Patients receiving chemotherapy may have below normal blood counts that may limit their ability to exercise.  Use a cell count card to record your counts on days that blood work is scheduled.  Please consult a trainer at the start of each class to discuss your exercise tolerance if counts are below normal.

Colognes

As some of our participants are experiencing nausea, please refrain from wearing perfumes, aftershaves, lotions, or hairsprays that produce a fragrance.

Calories

Sufficient calories are needed to exercise.  Please eat all regularly scheduled meals and eat a snack roughly an hour before participating in class.  If eating is a problem, please notify your physician and/or an instructor.  If you have insulin dependent diabetes, blood sugars should be tested before and after exercise.

Hydration

Please bring a water bottle to stay hydrated throughout your workout (unless on fluid restrictions).  If blood counts are low, please avoid the water fountains.

Wear

Comfortable, breathable clothing is best.  Shoes with good tread and closed heels and toes are required.  Layering is a good option as the gym tends to run cool.

PROGRAM PHASES

As with any new activity, you may experience mild muscle soreness within 24-48 hours after initiating your exercise program.  This is a normal response and should resolve within 48-72 hours.  If symptoms are severe, please notify the physical therapist directly (please note that Taxane chemotherapy, growth factors such as Neulasta, and hormone therapy can also cause bone, muscle, and joint pain).

Phase I: Weeks 1-4

The goals are introduction and orientation.  Orientation to Survive and Thrive includes policies and procedures, the facility, and the equipment in order to participate safely within the facility.  A PT360 staff member will set you up on the equipment for safety.

Types of Exercises:

• Cardiovascular/aerobic – used to warm-up and to increase heart rate
• Strength Training – to increase muscle strength
• Stretching/Flexibility – used to increase range of motion and cool down

Exercise Terms:

• Reps (Repetitions)- number of times you complete one move of an exercise.  Repetition increases endurance.
• Sets – a series of repetitions (i.e. 1 set of 8 reps)
• Resistance – pounds of weight used in each exercise.  Resistance increases strength.

Phase II: Weeks 5-8

The goal is to build on the exercises learned during Phase I and to progress your independence and confidence with your program.  Staff guidance is provided to safely progress your program.

As your exercise tolerance increases, it should be possible to gradually increase reps/sets/ and/or resistance.  When you feel ready, please discuss the progression or any program question with a PT360 staff member.

Remember, one should not strength train the same area of the body two days in a row as muscles need a minimum of a day of rest between work-outs.

Phase III: Weeks 9-12

The goal is to advance participants to independent exercisers.  Participants should continue safely exercising in whatever format they so choose on their non-program days.

SURVIVE & THRIVE CLASSES

The Survive and Thrive Cancer Program runs three times each week from 1:00-2:00 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for 12 weeks.  The program consists of cardiovascular exercise and circuit training, Pool Tai-Chi, and Group Fitness.  The class is free and limited to 10 participants.

Aquatics/ Pool Tai-Chi

Exercising in water can be very therapeutic and relaxing.  It can also take pressure off painful bones and joints and help with edema.

Avoid pool work completely if:

• Blood counts are low and you are at risk for infection
• You have a colostomy, tracheotomy or G tube
• You have an open wound
• You have radiation dermatitis
• You are incontinent

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